Cisco Advanced Routing: Leaf/Spine Data Centers from Pluralsight

Modern data center design is becoming increasingly reliant on layer-3 routing technologies. This course will teach you how to configure and troubleshoot routing protocols and IP services using a large-scale network topology.

Leaf/spine architectures have exploded in popularity within data centers and enterprise campus networks. In this course, Cisco Advanced Routing: Leaf/Spine Data Centers, you’ll learn to design, configure, and manage a multi-site data center interconnected via layer-3 links. First, you’ll expand your OSPF knowledge by learning about special area types and virtual links. Next, you’ll discover using internal BGP for scalable distribution of IP prefixes within a data center fabric. Finally, you’ll learn how to optimize the network using a subset of common IP services relating to management, monitoring, and security. Most of these topics are discussed using both IPv4 and IPv6 in the context of dual-stacking. When you’re finished with this course, you’ll have the skills and knowledge of Cisco layer-3 data center networking needed to deploy complex routing designs in your work environment.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

Designing Leaf/Spine Data Centers

Building a Secure WAN Overlay Using IPsec

Deploying Special OSPF Area Types

Scaling BGP within a Site Using Internal BGP

Deploying IP Services to Manage and Secure the Network

Updating Our Infrastructure to Support IPv6

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores data center design, which is standard in modern IT infrastructure

Taught by Nick Russo, who are recognized for their work in routing protocols and IP services

Examines leaf/spine architectures, which are highly relevant to data center and enterprise campus networks

Develops routing and IP services skills, knowledge, and tools that are core skills for data center networking

Covers IPv6, which is becoming increasingly important in data center networking

Requires students to have a strong understanding of OSPF and BGP, which may be a barrier for some learners

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Cisco Advanced Routing: Leaf/Spine Data Centers with these activities:

Review network fundamentals

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Begin by reviewing the core principles of networking to ensure understanding of foundational concepts

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Review online tutorials on network fundamentals
Read articles and blog posts on networking basics
Experiment with basic networking configurations in a home lab or online simulator

Participate in a study group

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Join a study group to discuss concepts, share knowledge, and support each other's learning

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Find or start a study group with fellow students
Meet regularly to discuss course material
Work together on assignments and projects

Configure and troubleshoot OSPF

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Practice configuring and troubleshooting OSPF to solidify understanding of this core routing protocol

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Set up a network topology in a lab environment
Configure OSPF on routers and verify connectivity
Simulate common OSPF issues and troubleshoot the problems

Five other activities

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Read Cisco Advanced Routing

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Supplement your understanding by reading an authoritative book on advanced routing

View OSPF: Anatomy of an Internet Routing Protocol on Amazon

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Read the chapters on OSPF, BGP, and IP services
Take notes and highlight important concepts
Review the book regularly to reinforce your learning

Follow tutorials on BGP configuration

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Enhance your understanding of BGP configuration by following guided tutorials

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Find reputable online tutorials on BGP configuration
Follow the tutorials step-by-step
Experiment with different BGP configurations in a lab environment

Create a network diagram

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Create a network diagram to visualize and document your understanding of the network design

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Use a network visualization tool
Map out the network topology, including devices, connections, and configurations
Share your diagram with others for feedback and discussion

Design a leaf/spine network

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Design a leaf/spine network to apply the concepts learned in the course and gain practical experience

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Gather requirements for the network, including number of devices, bandwidth needs, and security considerations
Choose appropriate leaf and spine switches
Design the physical layout of the network
Configure the network and verify connectivity

Contribute to an open-source routing project

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Contribute to an open-source routing project to gain practical experience and support the community

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Find an open-source routing project that aligns with your interests and skills
Review the project's documentation and contribute code or documentation
Engage with the project community through forums or discussion boards

Career center

Learners who complete Cisco Advanced Routing: Leaf/Spine Data Centers will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Data Center Engineer

The Data Center Engineer is the expert in computer network infrastructure. The course will help you prepare for this role by teaching you how to design and manage routing within a data center network. This includes the design and implementation of leaf-spine data center architectures. The course will also teach you how to configure and troubleshoot a number of IP services, including security, monitoring, and management services.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Center Engineer

Network Architect

Network Architects are responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of computer networks. This course will help you prepare for this role by teaching you how to design and manage routing within a data center network. This includes the design and implementation of leaf-spine data center architectures. The course will also teach you how to configure and troubleshoot a number of IP services, including security, monitoring, and management services.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Architect

Network Design Engineer

The Network Design Engineer is responsible for the design of a company's computer networks. This course will help prepare for this role by teaching you how to design and manage routing in data center networks. This includes the design and implementation of leaf-spine architectures. The course will also teach you how to configure and troubleshoot various IP services, including security, monitoring, and management services.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Design Engineer

Network Analyst

Network Analysts are responsible for troubleshooting and maintaining computer networks. This course will help you prepare for this role by teaching you how to troubleshoot routing within a data center network. The course will also teach you how to configure and troubleshoot a number of IP services, including security, monitoring, and management services.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Analyst

Network Engineer

Network Engineers are responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of computer networks. This course will help you prepare for this role by teaching you how to design and manage routing within a data center network. This includes the design and implementation of leaf-spine data center architectures. The course will also teach you how to configure and troubleshoot a number of IP services, including security, monitoring, and management services.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Engineer

Cloud Architect

Cloud Architects are responsible for the design of could-based solutions. This course may be useful in this role as it will teach you how to design and manage routing in a data center network. This includes the design and implementation of leaf-spine data center architectures. The course will also teach you how to configure and troubleshoot various IP services, including security, monitoring, and management services.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Architect

IT Manager

IT Managers oversee the planning, implementation, and maintenance of an organization's computer networks. This course may be useful in this role as it will help you to understand how to design and manage routing within a data center network. The course will also teach you how to configure and troubleshoot a number of IP services, including security, monitoring, and management services.

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IT Director

IT Directors are responsible for the overall IT strategy and operations of an organization. This course may be useful in this role as it will teach you how to design and manage routing within a data center network. The course will also teach you how to configure and troubleshoot a number of IP services, including security, monitoring, and management services.

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Network Security Engineer

Network Security Engineers are responsible for the security of an organization's computer networks. This course may help you to prepare for this role as it will teach you how to configure and troubleshoot a number of security-related IP services.

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Network Administrator

Network Administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation and maintenance of an organization's computer networks. This course may help you to prepare for this role as it will teach you how to configure and troubleshoot a number of IP services, including security, monitoring, and management services.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

Computer Systems Analyst

Computer Systems Analysts are responsible for the analysis, design, and implementation of computer systems. This course may help you to prepare for this role as it will teach you how to design and manage routing within a data center network. The course will also teach you how to configure and troubleshoot a number of IP services, including security, monitoring, and management services.

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IT Consultant

IT Consultants provide advice and guidance to organizations on the planning, implementation, and maintenance of their IT systems. This course may be useful in this role as it will teach you how to design and manage routing within a data center network. The course will also teach you how to configure and troubleshoot a number of IP services, including security, monitoring, and management services.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. This course may be useful in this role as it will teach you how to design and manage routing within a data center network. The course will also teach you how to configure and troubleshoot a number of IP services, including security, monitoring, and management services.

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Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites and web applications. This course may be useful in this role as it will teach you how to design and manage routing within a data center network. The course will also teach you how to configure and troubleshoot a number of IP services, including security, monitoring, and management services.

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Database Administrator

Database Administrators are responsible for the maintenance and administration of database systems. This course may be useful in this role as it will teach you how to design and manage routing within a data center network. The course will also teach you how to configure and troubleshoot a number of IP services, including security, monitoring, and management services.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator